We had never been on a cruise, so the girls sort of talked me into a Christmas cruise to the Bahamas. We left Baltimore, MD on the 19th of December and made ports of call at Port Canaveral, Fl, Nassau and Freeport Bahamas and several days "at sea". Although the temperatures were somewhat mild for December, we did enjoy several days in the mi-70's while in the Bahamas. On Nikki's birthday, we took a power-snorkling trip while in Nassau. Nikki and I had a fun time, as the water was aqua-blue & clear and we were able to swim around an hour over a reef full of colorful fish. While we were gone, Kelly and Lindsay did some shopping and saw the sights. Overall, we really enjoyed the areas in the Bahamas and now, since we are so close living in Virginia, we will plan another trip to stay several days. The beaches were clear, the water blue and no cell phone reception! Ya-hoo...
There were many activities on the ship for everyone to take advantage of when we were underway, which included specific activities for the girls. "Most" of the food was free, so I took advantage, storing the needed calories for the winter much like an Arizonian chipmunk does in November.
We did miss the Christmas holiday, as Carnival Cruise lines believes they have to be politically correct by having only two Christmas trees and imparting the cordial, "happy holiday" to everyone. Not the Fenns, we responded with "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year" and under my breath I said, "don't be a pinhead"...:)
We arrived back in Baltimore the day after Christmas (the holiday season for Carnival Staff) and within an hour we were in an Eastern Washington State style blizzard for several hours. Our trip back to Virginia beach took 9 1/2 hours (normally 4 hours). I was undauted by the weather as I was operating the award winning 2008 Chevrolet 3500 crew cab 4X4 with the optional Duramax Diesel and Allison 6 speed transmission. I waved as the goof-balls drove past me on the highway, then waved again as I passed them as they were tactically parked in the ditch.
Important Note: For those who have never driven on the East Coast during a snow-storm, light dusting of snow, mild rain shower or mist, please use caution and plan accordingly. Every business, rest area, gas station and restaurants close if anyone mentions "snow". It is the most bizzare thing I have ever seen....everyone just goes home and leaves the motoring public up to the tow truck drivers and state troopers who just point toward the Virginia state line!
We had never been on a cruise, so the girls sort of talked me into a Christmas cruise to the Bahamas. We left Baltimore, MD on the 19th of December and made ports of call at Port Canaveral, Fl, Nassau and Freeport Bahamas and several days "at sea". Although the temperatures were somewhat mild for December, we did enjoy several days in the mi-70's while in the Bahamas. On Nikki's birthday, we took a power-snorkling trip while in Nassau. Nikki and I had a fun time, as the water was aqua-blue & clear and we were able to swim around an hour over a reef full of colorful fish. While we were gone, Kelly and Lindsay did some shopping and saw the sights. Overall, we really enjoyed the areas in the Bahamas and now, since we are so close living in Virginia, we will plan another trip to stay several days. The beaches were clear, the water blue and no cell phone reception! Ya-hoo...
